The Niger State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, with the arrest of 34 suspects for various offenses including drug trafficking, armed robbery, theft, unlawful possession of firearms, and thuggery.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Command said the operations were conducted across several locations between July 3rd and 7th, 2025, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Tactical Support Team (TST) on July 7th raided identified criminal hideouts in the Gulu area of Lapai, arrested eight suspects in possession of suspected cannabis, cannabis seeds, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, amulets, and dangerous weapons including machetes, sickles, and knives.
The suspects are:
Umar Auwal (18)
Yunusa Saleh a.k.a. “Sorry Baby” (33)
Samaila Samuel Ayoola (25)
Basiru Tanko (25)
Kamal Isyaku (23), all from Shiroro LGA, residing in Gulu via Lapai
Ben Abel (30) of Abia State, residing in Shakwatu
Yusuf Ishaya (31) of Kaduna State, residing in Shakwatu
Aliyu Adamu (19) of Chanchaga, Niger State
They remain in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.
On July 4th, operatives of Gawu-Babangida Division intercepted a suspect, Christopher Chieryol from Tarka village in Benue State, at Dikko junction, along the Lambata-Lapai road. He was found with a Qlink dispatch motorcycle reportedly stolen from Lagos.
He failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the motorcycle, prompting further investigation and efforts to reunite it with its rightful owner.
Also on July 4th, a suspect identified as Peter Ayuba of Nasarawa State was arrested by Suleja Area Command with a concealed revolver and three live ammunition. He claimed the weapon was handed to him by one Luka of Garaku, Nasarawa, to be delivered to a man known as Ndagi in Katcha, Niger State. Police have since arrested the said Ndagi as investigations continue.
In Minna, on July 3rd, one Jamila Nuhu (23) of Limawa was arrested following a report of household theft. She confessed to stealing several items, including 15 wrappers, in collaboration with her friend Fatima Mohammed (20) of Angwan Daji. Recovered items were traced to locations in Minna and Kaduna, where some had already been sent to relatives.
Following recent disturbances linked to rival groups involved in illegal mining activities around the Kafintella/Samande area of Tunga, Minna, police conducted a two-day raid on July 5th and 6th. A total of 22 suspects were arrested, including one Salisu Kabiru whose confession led to further arrests. The operation yielded four motorcycles, cutlasses, knives, cannabis, and other illicit substances.
The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
